A Heart of Peace

Our daughter, Katie, and I teach a group of middle school students at a local public school every other Friday.  It is part of the Student Advancement Leadership Initiative (SALI) sponsored by LINC North Texas.  We teach values and leadership skills to over a hundred 7th and 8th graders.  Yesterday our lesson was on the need to not treat other people as objects.  The theme was having a heart of peace, rather than a heart of war when it comes to how we relate to others.

It started me thinking about way I treat the random people I have contact with on a daily basis.  It might be the cashier in the grocery store or the person taking my order at the fast-food restaurant; they deserve to be treated with respect.  I guess that is why I like it when employees where name tags.  It allows me to address them as a person, rather than a nameless face.  "How is your day going Angie."   Thanks for taking my order Jose."  A smile and friendly comment might make a difference in their life.

I am glad I had that lesson yesterday, because I had to put it to use in damage control today.  I had to make a Home Depot run.  I had a couple of project that I needed to tend to and they also had bags of mulch and tomato plants on sale.  My cart was full, but the woman ahead of me was pushing an empty cart.  She had discovered the same thing I had; the store had sold out of tomato plants.  When she got up to the clerk she pointed to her empty cart and said, "I came for the tomato plants.  What a waste of time.  How can you run out of tomato plants?'  She continued her tirade as she waved the newspaper ad advertising the weekend sale.  The clerk was a young Hispanic girl.  She stood speechless as the abuse continued.  The girl did not deserve that.  She had nothing to do with ordering the plants.  She was just an object to this angry woman who very much had a "heart of war."

In this case I was able to reassure Maria, the young clerk.  "You did not deserve that," I told her.  "Some people can be cruel," I continued.  She smiled as she unloaded my cart and scanned the items.  "I hope the rest of your day goes better, Maria.," I told her as she handed me my receipt.  Lesson learned.  I can always go back for the tomato plants later. 

The Pre-Election Blues

Tuesday is a primary election day in Texas.  I really am looking forward going to the polls, but not just because I enjoy exercising my right to vote.  It has to do with all the campaign ads.  With the election over I will get a reprieve, at least until it's time for the runoffs.   I am tired of politicians telling me they deserve my vote because they will: stand up to Washington and "Obama." They obviously did not read my blog from a few weeks back.  They all claim to be "true conservatives" who belong to the NRA and want to protect our borders.  While all of the above bothers me, what really irritates me is the negative commercials.  Some of the ads do not even tell me who has sponsored them.  They are just attacks questioning the honesty and integrity of one of the candidates.

I have had two personal encounters that only reinforce my feelings.  I was working in the yard one Saturday when a young man wearing jeans and cowboy hat approached me.  He was carrying an I-pad, which I suppose informed him of my name, party affiliation and who knows what else.  Turns out he is the son of one of the candidates running for state office.  I was already familiar with his dad because he is running a very negative campaign against our long-standing State Senator.  In this case I have personally met our current senator on two occasions.   Both times he listened to me and seemed to be more interested in what I stood for than in telling me about what he had done for me.  I only had minutes of one on one time, but I sensed I had his attention.   I told the young man up-front that my decision had already been made, since he was running against a politician I liked and respected  That did not stop him from telling me lots of negative things about the incumbent.  He even dropped the term "liberal," which knowing the candidates record I had to chuckle at.  I finally excused myself and returned to my yard work.  The next weekend another candidate stop by to introduce himself and ask for my vote.  This gentleman is an incumbent who I also respect.  He said nothing about his opponent, but instead talked about what he had accomplished in the capital during this term and what he hoped to do in the future.  I told him he had my support.  He thanked me and shook my hand. 

I guess what troubles me most is that many of these same politician claim to be church-going conservative.  If they are indeed Christians, I have to wonder if in their religious training they ever got down to the commandment that deals with giving "false testimony against your neighbor," or in this case your political opponent. 

I never heard my daddy speak an evil word about any candidate, but it's funny I always knew how he voted.  That's a lesson we need to keep in mind.  Focus on what you stand for and love those who hold opinions or political stances that are opposite.  By the way, it might only be a primary election but I sure hope you vote on Tuesday.

The Real Winner at These Olympics

I have never been a big fan of the Olympics.  The Summer Games are held in the middle of baseball season.  I will pick America's pastime over sprinter and swimmers any day.  This Winter Olympics I have actually enjoyed watching each evening.  And I could empathize with Bob Costas and his battle with pinkeye.  I guess teachers everywhere wow can identify with him: occupational hazard.  OK, I still don't understand figure skating, but I will admit they are great athletes.  I still like the events where the first one to the finish line wins.  From that standpoint, skiing was probably my favorite event.

I felt some patriotic spirit as I watch the medal winners, skiers Mikaela Shiffrin and Ted Ligity in particular standout.  I especially enjoyed watching Noelle Pikus-Pace and her family celebrate after her winning the women's skeleton.  Going down an icy track at 80 miles-an-hour face-first takes some kind courage.  I was also moved by Bode Miller's emotional show of grief, although I still think the reporter was out of line.  Probably the memory that will stick with me was watching the women's hockey team in their overtime loss to Canada.  Two goals up with three minutes to go....  Heartbreak. 

Hats off to the Russians for not only winning more metals but for doing a great job of hosting.  There was another winner that got almost no press during the event.  It would be the terrorist that threatened to disrupt the event. In the end, nothing happened.  Sochi turned out to be a great location, Still the terrorist won because they accomplished their goal; they created fear in our mind.  I feel bad for the people, like the parents of some participants, who stayed home because they felt their lives would be in danger if they went.

That's the world we live in since 9/11.  We feel threatened.  I am reminded of the evil world we live in every time I have to go through airport security; which I do every Wednesday as I volunteer as a DFW Airport Ambassador.  It's a challenge even for those of us who live in the hope of the Resurrection.  Still, that is what we are called to do.  If we live courageously, we give those around us permission to live that way as well.  That's the message we want to share as we Pass the Torch.

Tell me a Story

I spent last Friday teaching middle school students at a school in our neighborhood.  I spend every other Friday at the school as part of the Student Advancement Leadership Initiative (SALI) program of LINC North Texas.  It's a great program and we teach values and leadership skills to students as part of the AVID curriculum.  AVID identifies students who have the potential to go to college but because of family situation or economics probably wouldn't.  They are typical middle school students: high energy and short attention span.  While there are few discipline problems, keeping their attention can be a challenge.  I have discovered that one of the best ways to relate the lesson to real life is through stories.  Some are fictional, others based on my experience.  I know I am being effective when one of the first questions the students ask when they see me in the classroom is, "Are you going to tell us another story."  Our stories do have power, and I have ability to capture the interest of the listener.  In the process they are drawn into my world and begin to relate to who I am. 

I recall an incident when our own daughter when she was in middle school.  Katie had been given the assignment to interview someone who had experienced history.  It was over a vacation break and we happened to be traveling to Michigan to see family.  That included time with my grandmother, who was approaching a hundred years of age at that time.  I suggested to Katie that she spend time with great grandma.  One question in the assignment intrigued both of us: what is the greatest invention in your life time.  We had speculated on possible answers: television, the telephone, the refrigerator.  Her response surprised us, "Electricity."  She went on to tell stories about growing up in a time when you had to rely on oil lamps for light.  She talked about having to help her mom fill the lamps with oil and then making sure the wicks were trimmed.  As night set in she would use a candle, lit from the fire in the stove, to light each of the lamps.  She also related that there were no church activities at night, because of the lack of light.  For that reason much of the religious training happened at home around the fireplace.

We all have stories to tell.  Some of those are stories of faith.  Our stories help other people relate to who we are, but also encourage them to develop stories of their own.  Many of those stories involve how God relates to our lives, and how we live out the hope we have in Jesus.  Find a young person  and share your story.  That requires earning the right to be heard.  Just, be Jesus and share your faith story with them.

Hope for a Sick World

I spent this afternoon in a meeting room at a local children's hospital.  I joined the family and friends of a young couple whose infant daughter is in ICU.  Little Kate is having seizures and they can't find the cause. Some of the seizures are severe enough to cause her to stop breathing.  The parents, Andrew and Lauren, are former students of mine from Lutheran High days.  Andrew is also a good friend of our son, Mark.  We spent over an hour together praying for little Kate and her parents. 

It seems to be the season for serious health issues.  I flew down to McAllen, Texas on Wednesday at the invitation of my friend Jeff Pool.  I was scheduled to do a parenting workshop and spend Thursday working with the students in the school  where Jeff serves as principal.  After getting off the plane I was informed that Jeff had been hospitalized after a series of strokes.  I spent my two days in the Rio Grande Valley shuttling between the school and hospital.  The prognosis for Jeff is good, but it is still scary.  Last night I received word that another good friend, has bladder cancer.  My ninety-two year old  mom has been in the hospital for three weeks recovering from a bout with the flu and Barb's sister is hospitalized with C-Diff following surgery for uterine cancer. Another friend is battling an infection in a wound following foot surgery.  My personal prayer list seems to grow daily.  As the D.J.'s used to say in the 60's; "The hits just keep on coming."

It seem ironic now, but last weekend I was doing research at our local library.  I wasn't looking for a book, but I stopped to browse the rack that contained new releases.  There a midst the other titles was a book by Philip Yancy, The Question that Never goes Away: Why.  It was the sequel to a book by the same author that I read years ago, Where is God when I Hurt?  The author reflects on his visits to Japan following the tsunami and Sarajevo after the bloody civil war.  He also writes about his experience ministering to the residents of Newtown, Connecticut follow the Sandy Hook tragedy.  Reading Philip Yancy's insights was a way of preparing me for a tough week.

The reality is we live in a broken and fallen world.  I awoke this morning to the news that there was a driveway robbery in our neighborhood.  Another sign that I live in a sinful world.  Our bodies are imperfect and will break down.  I think I discovered another ache as I did my stretches this morning.  We also need to remember that Satan was kicked out of heaven and told that the earth was his domain (Revelations 12:7-9).  It's no wonder sins runs rampant here.  If we need any proof that bad things happen to good people, we need look no further than our Savior.  Jesus was, and still is, the only person to live a perfect life.  His earthly reward was crucifixion.   It's no wonder some of this parting words to his disciples were, "In this world you will have trouble." (John 16:33b)  He followed that up by saying, "Take heart, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33c).   In the midst of pain, suffering and grief we too can be overcomers. 

That is where we find our hope in the tough times.  That is why we are called to be messengers of hope and reconciliation when tragedy strikes.  God calls us out of our comfort zones to minister to the broken, lost, hurting and grieving.  The struggles on this earth are nothing in comparison to glory of heaven.  And the Savior who overcame the cross and the grave is the only way to eternal life.  

It's Mr. President, Please!

I have a pet peeve.  Actually I have several of them: people who don't use their turn signals is one.  Another is the announcer who introduces the traffic report on the radio saying, "Traffic is brought to you by Kroger," as if a grocery store wanted to take credit for DFW traffic problems.  I also have a thing about people who don't cross the street at the crosswalks, especially when it's in front of a McDonald's.  During this election season I am reminded of another pet peeve: it's people, especially other politicians, who refer to our President as "Obama."  "Texas needs to stand up to Obama and his liberal policies."  "We need to send a message to Obama."

It does not matter whether you agree with him or not, Mr. Obama is our President.  Even if you did not vote for him, he deserves our respect, and our prayers.  The Bible is very clear on that:

1 Timothy 2:1-2: "Pray for those in authority."

Romans 13:1: "Everyone should submit to authorities."

Titus 3:1: "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities."

Jesus took a stand on the issue, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and God what is God."  (Luke 20:25)


Why is this an issue for me?  I am very uncomfortable with the message that it sends to young people.  The best way to teach values and respect is to model it.  The way we speak in front of our children does leave an impression.  The things we say about politician, law enforcement officials and even our pastors and spiritual leaders do carry a lot of weight when it comes to the younger generation.  The best way to express our opinion is at the ballot box.

The Church has Missed a Cultural Shift

This is the final post in the series on changes I feel the church must make if it is to effectively minister to millennials.  In the case of this issue, I sincerely feel the future of the church itself hangs in the balance.  I fear that many mainline churches, and perhaps whole denominations will disappear if we don't wake up to the changes happening around us.  Look around you; how many established churches in your community are on the decline.  Once dynamic churches are now facing dwindling attendance and decreasing financial resources.  Why?  Because the church has not grasped the extent to which millennials have impacted and changed our culture.  The culture has shifted and we've been left behind.

When it comes to young adults the expectation has always been: they graduate from high school, go off to college, finish their educations and get jobs.  Along the way they might drift away from the church.  They might still show up with their families at Christmas, but for the most part they are not connected spiritually.  No worry: They will get married and when they start their family they will come back.  That is the pattern we've seen for generations. 

That no longer is the case.  Consider:

Even though teens are socially engaged, some of them have already check-out on the church before they graduate from high school.  In many cases it is because they do not see the church as relevant to their lives.

Campus ministry is not a high priority for many denominations.  Hence, college becomes a spiritual wasteland.  They are being taught many theories that run counter to their Christian upbringing but there is no support system to help them grapple with the questions.

They are graduating into a job market that is not real open.  Many colleges graduates are unable to find jobs in their field of studies, furthering their disenchantment with our society.

More millennials are choosing to live together outside of marriage.  In many case that already began during college, where co-habituating is an acceptable behavior. 

Many young adults are delaying marriage until much later.  In many cases they have no desire to have the church involved when they do decide to get married. 

Then there is the gay/lesbian issue.  Most millennials consider being "gay" OK.  Some are even choosing that lifestyle themselves, again putting themselves at odds with many traditional churches.

And as for starting a family: that is probably going to be delayed too.  If they are waiting until they are in their thirties before beginning a family, there is probably less of a chance that they are going to gravitate back to church.

Yes, it is a changing world and we must adjust not only our way of doing ministry, but our way of thinking. 

Youth ministry must focus on confronting the issues of the day and equipping young people to respond to them. 

We must recommit to having a presence near college campuses. 

We must reach out to young adults, instead of waiting for them to come back to us.

It is a difficult and challenging time, but our God never changes and through the power of the Spirit, we can overcome the world together.   The Gospel message is still relevant, and boy does this world need it.